Creating an Accounts Receivable Account

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Creating an Accounts Receivable Account

 

Creating an A/R Account (MLS 2026)

Before you can post any charges to Accounts Receivable, the client must have an established A/R account.

When a client is allowed to pay later, MLS 2026 tracks that balance through the Receipts (Accounts Receivable) module until it is fully paid.


Accessing Account Setup

To create a new A/R account:

Go to Finance → Receivable

Select Add

Indicate whether the account is for an existing service client


Service Clients (Most Common Case)

This is the most important and most frequently used setup.

If the client has had service work performed or parts sold, they already exist in your client database.

Setup Steps

Select Yes when prompted

Browse and select the correct client

MLS 2026 will automatically create the A/R account using:

A/R Number = E + Customer Number


Why This Matters

This number is critical because it:

Links the A/R account to the service client record

Allows automatic transfer of charges from workorders into A/R

Eliminates the need for manual posting in most cases

If this number is incorrect or bypassed:

Workorders may not transfer

Balances may appear missing

Manual corrections may be required


Non-Service Clients

Some accounts are not tied to your service database.

Examples:

Warranty companies

Third-party billing accounts

Fleet or corporate billing entities not tracked as service clients

Setup Steps

Select No when prompted

Create the account manually

These accounts are assigned an A/R number beginning with:

A + sequential number


Important: Alternate Billing Required

When posting a workorder to a non-service account:

Enter the A/R number in the Alternate Billing field on the workorder

Without this step:

Charges will NOT transfer to the correct A/R account


Completing the Account Setup

After creating the account, it will appear in the A/R account list.

You must then assign:

Billing Cycle

Flag Codes

These control:

When statements are generated

Whether the account is active, restricted, or on HOLD

(See Editing A/R Accounts for full details.)


Recovery Tip (Very Important)

If a workorder is closed with a balance due before the A/R account is created:

Create the A/R account afterward

Press Refresh in A/R

MLS 2026 will automatically:

Locate the posted balance

Attach it to the newly created account

Update totals correctly


Best Practice

Always create the A/R account before closing a workorder with a balance due.

This ensures:

Immediate and accurate posting

No missing balances

Minimal cleanup work later